Tag: Grace O’Connor ’22
Silent Pain
by Elizabeth McGinn on March 4, 2021
Poetry
Trigger Warning: This poem includes
references to restrictive eating and body image
by Grace O’Connor ’22
She was used to her bones jutting out,
Her ribs, hip bones, elbows.
She was used to her clothes never fitting her,
As they would fall off her scrawny frame.
Her face was pale and her eyes held pain.
She desperately wanted a bite of solid food,
Except, she could not swallow it.
The worry around her was tangible,
She endured this worry with silent pain.
Wanting to be able to eat a bowl of pasta,
Without the feeling of her throat closing,
Slowly, unable to open like it was super-glued shut,
Not letting air get past.
She was constantly told how skinny she was.
She would force a smile as she felt the dull knife stab her chest,
Once again.
Little did they know she envied them,
Envied their ability to eat without feeling like they can’t breathe.
But, she hated their oblivion,
Oblivion to her struggle.
A Master Painter Returns: Vincent van Gogh
by Sara Conway on March 4, 2021
Art
The Artist’s “Street Scene in Montmartre” Unveiled
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
Vincent van Gogh’s paintings have been centerpieces of the art world, capturing the eyes of their audiences, for centuries. It has recently been revealed that one of van Gogh’s paintings has been hidden in a private collection for over 100 years. This piece was captured by a French collector in the 1920s and has never been seen by the public since. Van Gogh painted “Scène de rue à Montmartre” in 1887, a few years before his death. According to CNN, this painting illustrates “Parisians walking through a rural and sparse landscape in Montmartre, a historic district which today is one of the city’s most popular destinations.”
“Street scene in Montmartre” is going on public display before it is expected to go on sale in Paris on March 25 for 5 to 8 million euros. Claudia Mercier and Fabien Mirabaud from the Parisian auction house said, “The moment we set eyes on this painting for the first time we were immediately captivated. It is with great pleasure that we can now present this to the world, after being treasured by the same French family for a century.” This treasure caught the eye of the public immediately after it was put on display. The painting provides a peek into 19th century Montmartre, illustrating a hilltop that overlooks the capital.
Now, the painting bears little resemblance to what this street actually looks like, but it realistically portrayed a district that was popular among the Parisians. This painting is part of a series known as Moulin de la Galette, a focus for van Gogh a few years before his death. Aurelie Vandevoorde and Etienne Hellman, directors of the impressionist and modern art department at Sotheby’s France, mentioned to CNN, “Very few paintings from van Gogh’s Montmartre Period remain in private hands, with most of the series now held in prestigious museum collections around the world.” This discovery will forever be remembered in the art world.
Van Gogh’s talent has lived on and is admired around the world for its breathtaking beauty. Van Gogh started painting in 1880 with no formal experience. Struggling with mental illness throughout his life, art acted as a form of therapy for him. Van Gogh was inspired by impressionist artists when he moved to Paris in 1886. One of his biggest influences included Anton Mauve, who introduced him to watercolors and oils. This influence can be seen in one of van Gogh’s earliest pieces, “Still Life With Cabbage and Clogs.”
He dedicated his life to painting, producing more than 2,100 pieces. When van Gogh was young, he worked as an art dealer who often traveled. He produced his first drawings at his parents’ home in the Netherlands. Eventually, he took up residence in The Hague, where he focused on his paintings of landscapes. The days leading up to van Gogh’s death were some of his most productive. Van Gogh’s paintings were recognized widely after his death and they continue to be an inspiration to many today.
The Night That Changed His Career Indefinitely
by Sara Conway on February 25, 2021
Music
Morgan Wallen Faces Consequences for Using Racial Slurs
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
On Feb. 2, Morgan Wallen’s career suffered a major setback, rightfully so, when he was caught using a racial slur by TMZ. According to the Los Angeles Times, Wallen “was taped. . . by a neighbor after Wallen’s group made a lot of noise honking and hollering.” He aimed this racial slur at one of the men in his group. This unacceptable incident caught the public’s attention, leading Wallen to issue a public apology, saying he was “embarrassed and sorry.” He went on to say that “there is no excuse for this type of language ever.”
Following Wallen’s appalling actions, two major radio stations suspended Wallen’s label indefinitely and he was made ineligible for the Academy of Country Music Awards this spring. His contract at Big Loud Records, based in Nashville, TN, has been suspended as well. Fellow country star Mickey Guyton tweeted, “This is not his first time using that ‘unacceptable’ racial slur, and we all know that. So what exactly are y’all going to do about it. Crickets won’t work this time.” Nate Deaton, general manager of KRTY-FM (95.3) San Jose, took a firm stand: “His recent behavior is not in keeping with standards expected in society. . .we are suspending all airplay at this time.”
An apology for Wallen’s actions simply is not good enough. He will never be looked at the same after this incident, not only by society, but by his dedicated fans. A telling statement made by Black singer-songwriter, Rissi Palmer, illustrates how there are many more underlying issues brought to light by Wallen’s statement. Palmer claims, “The systematic racism is what keeps artists of color out. It’s what enables behavior like Wallen’s past and present actions. Sure, Wallen was stamped out for now, what about the label heads that won’t sign artists of color or LGBTQ+ artists? What about the radio stations that only play a limited amount of songs and all those spots go to white men? That’s the bigger work. That’s the bigger picture.” While the country music industry’s response to Wallen’s racist behavior reveals that the industry is taking steps towards becoming more accountable, there is much more work to be done in the areas of diversity and inclusion.
The Bachelorette Update: Clare and Dale Separate
by Patrick T Fuller on February 4, 2021
Arts & Entertainment
An Unexpected Breakup Leads to Swirling Rumors
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
The Bachelor and Bachelorette are all-time favorite television shows dating back to 2002. These exhilarating programs start with 30+ contestants, and narrow down to one in a matter of months. The most recent season of The Bachelorette made history with Clare Crawley becoming the oldest woman to hold the title. Crawley constantly mentioned that she always wanted to be true to herself and find the man of her dreams.
This turned into reality for Crawley when Dale Moss, a former NFL player, immediately swept her off her feet. Crawley claimed that it was a “feeling that I’ve never felt before. . .just standing in front of a man, connecting on that level, and it being electric between each other—I’ve never felt that instantly like that before.”
Many fans believed that Crawley and Moss must have been talking before meeting on The Bachelorette, which they denied immediately, claiming it was love at first sight. In yet another historic moment in The Bachelor franchise, the pair got engaged just a few episodes into Crawley’s season, making Crawley the first Bachelorette to end her season early.
However, just as quickly as their relationship began, it ended. Crawley was met with a rude awakening when Moss publicly announced their breakup on Jan. 19 in a now-deleted Instagram post. Moss told his followers the 5-month-long relationship had ended, saying, “I wanted [to] share with you all that Clare and I have decided to go our separate ways. We appreciate the love and support we’ve received from so many people, but this is the healthiest decision for both of us at this time. We strongly believe in leading with love and always remaining true to oneself—something our families have taught and instilled in us throughout our lives. We only hope the best things for one another.”
This revelation sent shock waves throughout Bachelor nation, who believed they saw a true connection between Moss and Crawley, and raised questions about whether or not Moss went on the show solely for fame. A source close with the pair said that originally, “Clare and Dale were taking time apart and were working it out, but it led to a definite split.” The source went on to say that “Dale felt that he was not ready for marriage and was not ready to move to Sacramento for Clare. They were making a lot of plans that Dale could not commit to. It didn’t feel right and he had to follow his heart. They are in different places in life right now.”
In contrast to Moss, Crawley was prepared to get married, and she often spoke about wanting to have children. In the end, the distance between the two proved to be more challenging than either of them could have expected, which resulted in Moss deciding to end the relationship and Crawley feeling blindsided. It became evident that the break-up between Moss and Crawley was not as mutual as Moss originally made it seem. In an Instagram post on Jan. 21, Crawley revealed, “I was made aware of a ‘mutual’ statement at the same time you all were, so I’ve needed some time to digest this.” She continued, “Speaking for myself, my intentions with this relationship have always been very clear, so the truth is I am crushed. This was not what I expected or hoped for and am still trying to process this.”
Crawley says that she is trying to get herself out of a “dark place” after this breakup. She is focusing on herself by putting her needs above all else. Both have mutual respect for one another, but ultimately it was clear that what Crawley and Moss had was not true love. Crawley is back on the path to finding her soulmate while dealing with her publicly broken engagement.
the Power of Her Thoughts
by Elizabeth McGinn on February 4, 2021
Poetry
by Grace O’Connor ’22
She feels stuck at the moment like glue
Unable to escape her internal misery.
Oxygen barely fills up her shallow lungs,
As her glassy eyes are begging for relief.
White dots start to blur her vision,
She tries to remember how to breathe.
Her head feels heavy like an oversized bowling ball,
Falling over from her weak grip.
In moments like these, she craves comfort
Not feeling suffocated in open space.
She feels the most alone during these times.
Her body becomes her own worst enemy, but
The only thing keeping her alive.
As her nervous impulses floods through her body,
She starts to doubt any progress she has made.
Trust.
She does not trust herself or the world around her.
Isn’t this where worry comes from?
She is wary of every fleeting thought,
Fighting it every step of the way.
Fighting every tiny detail.
Fighting life.
Her brain is her rival.
Forming and reforming every rash thought,
Her brain is the gatekeeper to happiness or misery.
It is her brain’s default instinct to hold her back,
From pain, hurt, disappointment.
In Memoriam: Sir Sean Connery, a.k.a. “Bond”
by The Cowl Editor on November 13, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
The Man Who Swept His Audience off Its Feet
by Grace O’Connor ’22
Sir Sean Connery lived a very successful life, taking on roles that showed off his legendary skills as an actor. He passed away in his sleep on Oct. 31 at age 90, surrounded by his family and loved ones. One of his most well-known roles was James Bond in all seven of the original spy thriller movies. Daniel Craig, the most recent James Bond, reflected on Connery’s legacy, saying, “Sir Sean was one of the true greats of cinema. He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in megawatts; he helped create the modern blockbuster. He will continue to influence actors and film-makers alike for years to come. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Connery impacted cinema in a way that no one else had. This 20th-century movie icon appeared in a film in 1957 called No Road Back. This film marked the beginning of his career, leading to his role as James Bond. The author, Ian Flemming, created the James Bond character in his titular novel, but Connery brought style and suave to the role. The producers, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, reflected, “He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words ‘the name›s Bond…James Bond.’” The world felt the effect of his passing and has looked back on his life with appreciation and admiration.
Connery gained his success purely through hard work and determination. He was born into a lower-class family in Edinburgh and slowly worked his way up into the world of cinema. Growing up, Connery held many different jobs before he entered cinema in the 1950s. He started working at 13, delivering milk to help support his family. Later on, he enlisted in the Royal Navy, played English football, became a coffin-polisher, and began modeling. Connery was a very gifted football player, playing for Manchester United in his prime.
Later on, he decided to follow his heart and pursue acting instead. Connery admitted, “I had no sense of fear on the stage at all. It seemed right for me.” Five years after his first role in No Road Back, he launched into the Bond films. These films garnered Connery fame for his ability to play a character so unorthodox from what was previously seen on screen before.
After the Bond films, Connery’s career was uneventful for many years until his performance in The Untouchables in 1987. He won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor because of this film. The honors kept coming after this Oscar. In 2000, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his support of the Scottish National Party. He passionately fought for the rights and sovereignty of the Scottish people. In 2006, he was awarded The American Film Institute Achievement Award, and a few years later, in 2009, he also won an honorary doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University for his achievements throughout his career.
Connery “redefined heroism by injecting subtle humor in what could have been a cold, flat superhero.” His “Bond has been the touchstone for all the Bonds and action heroes that followed. Christopher Reeve’s Superman, Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones, Mike Myers’ Austin Powers and Pixar’s animated Mr. Incredible all grow out of Connery’s off-kilter take on the bloodless fictional character whose job is to save the Western world” (American Film Institute).
He created a role that pervaded many other films in proceeding years. James Bond embodied strength and resilience, as seen in many superheroes. He created Bond from his own imagination, and ran with the idea, pulling on his devoted viewers’ heartstrings with Bond’s charm. His brilliance and skill enabled him to gain an audience, but his confidence and hard work kept them watching. Sir Sean Connery will be missed by those who grew to love him for his many achievements, but James Bond will always live on.
The Haunting of Bly Manor: Inciting Authentic Fear
by The Cowl Editor on October 29, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
How the Adaptation Demonstrated Spiritual Connectedness
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
The Haunting of Bly Manor is an intriguing new show perfect for the Halloween season. Mike Flanagan, the showrunner, based this show off of Henry James’s novella The Turn of the Screw. Released on Oct. 9, it comes two years after Flanagan’s previous show, The Haunting of Hill House, the first show in The Haunting anthology. Flanagan learned what did not work well in The Haunting of Hill House and used those lessons to create The Haunting of Bly Manor.
NPR stated, “The Haunting of Bly Manor creator and showrunner Flanagan seems to have absorbed the lessons of Hill House’s abiding flaw, and course-corrected. Without spoiling anything, I will say that Bly Manor nails the all-important dismount, and does so in a sincere, humane, and bittersweet way that directly addresses the nature, and the purpose, of grief. It’s not overtly tidy or dully expositional—yet it feels, in the best way, inevitable.” Flanagan worked to pursue a larger viewer base, using what worked well in the previous season to enhance the new installment.
As stated in an article in Elle, “Nobody who watched Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House could ever forget The Bent-Neck Lady—or the array of terrifying hidden ghosts peppered throughout the show. But the follow-up season The Haunting of Bly Manor features a much bigger range of apparitions and scary visions, some of which are ghosts in the traditional sense, while others are a manifestation of trauma.” Rather than the premise of the show coming to light in the season finale, the reveal comes earlier. Other than this, the tangible feelings that come across in this new season are felt more by viewers because they are based on romantic relationships rather than the family at hand.
After a tragic death, a young woman finds herself caring for two children. The English estate in which they live is full of spirits, and the nanny realizes this soon after she arrives. The governess, Hannah, believes that the children can see the ghosts, too. She learns that the ghosts are her predecessors who were in love. KQED describes The Haunting of Hill House as being “filled with strong performances and unsettling images both overt (every episode came factory-installed with a jump scare) and subtle (showrunner Mike Flanagan packed the shadows in many shots with the barely perceptible ghost-faces—so if you were a chicken (hi!) who sensed a big scare coming and executed your go-to move of averting your eyes to stare into the bottom-left corner of the screen, you’d find a pale eyeless face staring back at you.” The thrillers add to the overall effect of the show and keep the viewers binge-watching.
The series was No. 1 on Netflix’s Top 10 list for a week straight, and, according to Forbes magazine, “seem[ed] to show no signs of letting up any time soon as other comers like Emily in Paris and the final season of Schitt’s Creek can’t catch it.”
This show emphasizes the connection between the spirits of the world. Flanagan claims the characters “all have a very dark edge to them. And by the end, it’s really hard to differentiate between tragedy with romance. That sense of romantic longing for someone who meant so much to us—but who’s gone—really is the heart of any ghost story.” This comment elucidates the authenticity that Flanagan emphasizes in The Haunting of Bly Manor. The show illustrates the raw feelings that accompany grief and the bond that love creates in a relationship.
Drew Barrymore Returns with A Drew Barrymore Show
by The Cowl Editor on October 15, 2020
Film and Television
Celebrity Uses New Outlet to Express Gratitude, Kindness
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
Drew Barrymore has had an outstanding career in Hollywood and has been a fan favorite for decades. She recently started her own talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show. According to USA Today, “Her unguardedness and verve are key ingredients” for her show. With Barrymore’s gregarious and eccentric personality, she welcomes each guest with open arms and adds her own twist to the typical talk show format. The guests that Barrymore has welcomed are mostly close friends such as Reese Witherspoon, who appeared during the premiere week, and Adam Sandler. Her show is light-hearted and comical, and her authentic personality brings a different medium of entertainment. USA Today discussed Barrymore’s unique down-to-earth vibe, saying that “Drew Barrymore is like everybody›s best friend. Or maybe that cool aunt.” Her charm and ability to make meaningful connections are obvious in the show. The daytime series includes celebrity interviews, giveaways, and games.
There are many underlying reasons for Barrymore wanting to try something new with this show, even though the odds may not have been in her favor. She saw this show as an exciting opportunity after filming the last episode of Santa Clarita Diet. She entered a competitive and crowded daytime slot—Ellen Degeneres and Dr. Phil air around the same time. Barrymore stated it was important to challenge herself and to “turn every obstacle into opportunities,” which meant adapting the show to the COVID-19 era. Her drive and vision are what made this show happen in the current atmosphere. She strives to be her most authentic self and show off every aspect of her life.
Barrymore said, “One thing we want to say on this show is I am who you think I am. I struggle, I fail and I think one of the most important things I want to teach my own kids and myself as I grow with them is that change is so important—change in the world, change in yourself. I am a self-examiner and I’ve never pretended to be anyone I›m not.” In this statement, Barrymore speaks to her authenticity and determination to put meaning behind everything she does. She sees this show not only as a way to bring people together, but also to create new meaning in her own life.
The beauty of Barrymore is her ability to acknowledge the work the individuals do behind the scenes. Even though it is called The Drew Barrymore Show, she claims that the show belongs to everyone. She sees herself as being a member of a team and lets the people around her know that they play just as important a role as she does in creating the show. Barrymore frequently claims how lucky she is to have this opportunity and how she is appreciative for those in her life who have pushed her.
Barrymore expressed this gratitude, saying, “It’s crazy, I’ve never felt more humble and grateful in my entire life than I do right now to be alive, to have two kids that are healthy, to be amongst this crew and this team and getting this opportunity.” She continued, “I don’t know how I ended up here, but I’ll never lose sight and I never have lost sight of how lucky I am.” She has the goal of making others around her happy and looking at the bright side of everything in life. Barrymore’s ability to follow through with this goal despite the current pandemic is admirable and speaks to her determination and ingenuity.
Glass Doll
by The Cowl Editor on October 15, 2020
Poetry
by Grace O’Connor ’22
I was a glass doll stuck to a white shelf
People would step back and admire, but comment on my silence
I was fragile, and kept on a shelf high above from all the danger that crept below
Every crack in me was patched and all the dust cleared off
I was pushed far away from the edge
In case I’d fall and break into a million pieces on the floor that eyed me from below
I faded into the background until I caught one’s eye
They watched me with intent, then would look away
As my silence would lead them to lose their intrigue
Their slow glance away felt like a stab in my delicate chest
The warmth I received came from sunlight that would shine on me briefly
Bringing out the color in my eyes, quickly fading away
To show the hollowness that lies behind
I sit on the shelf still, watching life play out before my eyes
Until I am replaced, I long to feel the excitement of life below
Dull Sparkle
by The Cowl Editor on October 2, 2020
Poetry
by Grace O’Connor ’22
After the miles of travel the bustle of the city felt like a sip of cold water on a hot summer day
The buildings scratch the sky above, as herds of people clog the sidewalks all around
The smell of food lingers and suffocates her as a nauseating reminder of comfort
There is no exchange of eye contact between those who walk by each other,
and the grimness of their faces highlight a mechanical sense of regularity
The golden encrusted staircases, extravagant drinks, red velvet seats,
and the translucent lights are a constant reminder of the ambition of humanity
This is the place she has thought about for years.
The place that is diverse from her home and represents everything it is not
The development of the city separates humanity,
making their lives spin around the touch of fiction, which is enhanced day by day.
She looks at everything out of reach and wonders
how simplicity is replaced by the craving for complexity
The water that holds the weight of the city glistens a dull sparkle
that surrounds the boats littered all around
She takes a deep breath and walks into the city
that forces the arms of the clock forward who reach back for their last dying breath.